ECTOBLAST - Definition

Pronunciation:		'ektu`blast
WordNet Dictionary

	Definition:	[n] the outer germ layer that develops into skin and nervous tissue

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	Synonyms:	ectoderm, exoderm

	See Also:	germ layer, neural tube

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

	Definition:	\Ec"to*blast\, n. [Ecto- + Gr. ? bud, germ.] (Biol.) (a) The outer layer of the blastoderm; the epiblast; the ectoderm. (b) The outer envelope of a cell; the cell wall. --Agassiz.

Biology Dictionary

	Definition:	The outermost layer of tissue in a developing animal embryo which will eventually become the skin and/or other outer surface of the organism, the outermost parts of the nervous system, and various other outer and external organs, structures, and systems (depends on the organism). Occurs in all animals except for sponges and placozoans.